AWENDAW ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Face-to-Face with Raptors: Birds of Prey Photography Day in Awendaw
A focused, 4-hour photography program photographing nearly 15 species of birds of prey—this guide explains what to expect, how the day is structured, and how to make the most of limited-access photo opportunities.
Face-to-Face with Raptors: Birds of Prey Photography Day in Awendaw.
On the coast of Awendaw, The Center for Birds of Prey stages a concentrated, small-group photography program that puts participants within camera range of nearly 15 species of birds of prey. Over four hours you will capture static perching studies and dynamic, untethered flight demonstrations while enjoying limited access designed to maximize photographic perspectives and support the Center's conservation work.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Close-up portraits of nearly 15 raptor species
Participants photograph nearly 15 species of birds of prey in close-up settings, with opportunities for tight, detailed portraits of live birds in naturalistic perches.
Untethered flight demonstrations
The program includes flight demonstrations that put several species into free flight for dynamic, in-motion compositions not possible in standard, tethered shows.
Limited access for varied perspectives
Participation is deliberately limited so each photographer is afforded equal access to the birds, enabling a range of angles and compositions during both static and flight sessions.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The day moves at the tempo of the birds: focused, intimate sessions for portraits followed by choreographed free-flight demonstrations. Across a four-hour window photographers rotate through shooting positions, take a self-guided tour of the Center, and line up sequences of perched and airborne frames while staff manage spacing to ensure everyone has shooting opportunities.
THE SUBJECTS
Close-up portraits of nearly 15 raptor species
Participants photograph nearly 15 species of birds of prey in close-up settings, with opportunities for tight, detailed portraits of live birds in naturalistic perches.
THE ACTION
Untethered flight demonstrations
The program includes flight demonstrations that put several species into free flight for dynamic, in-motion compositions not possible in standard, tethered shows.
THE SETTING
Limited access for varied perspectives
Participation is deliberately limited so each photographer is afforded equal access to the birds, enabling a range of angles and compositions during both static and flight sessions.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits best — and why limited spots matter.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
These are 4-hour programs; scheduled session times (for listed dates) run 8:30 AM–12:30 PM.
This is a photography program—bring camera gear suited to close-up and action shots. Note that food is not available on-site.
Food is not available at the Center; plan accordingly.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Photography Day?
The program runs four hours.
What dates and times are available?
Scheduled dates include Sunday, January 26; Sunday, April 13; and Sunday, September 21, each running 8:30 AM–12:30 PM.
How many species will I be able to photograph?
The program features nearly 15 species of birds of prey.
What happens if the weather forces a cancellation?
If the program is canceled because of weather, you will be offered a reschedule date or a refund.
Are there ticket costs and what do they support?
Tickets are $100 per person; proceeds support the Avian Conservation Center's educational, medical, conservation, and research initiatives.
Is food available on site?
Food is not available on-site.
Where do participants meet?
The meeting location is 4719 Highway 17N, Awendaw, SC.